The OurWeddingDay Blog

Of all the vendors that you interview and evaluate when planning a wedding, DJs are among the most important. Wedding DJ prices vary significantly, and often the more expensive DJs are worth the price. However, there are some excellent DJs that are reasonably priced and pleasant to work with. In order to find these DJs, you will need to do some research.

1. Have several in-person interviews. There are many questions you should ask this contender. Does he have a music database where you can work together to choose your key songs? How does he set up his equipment? Does your venue have specific requirements for set-up (and if so, can he work within those parameters?) Does he do any wedding games?
2. Ask for (and speak to) his or her references. If he or she runs a good wedding DJ service, then there should already be a list of references that you can call. If not, you should move to the next person on your list. Also, be prepared with a list of questions when you call a former client.
3. See if he or she is flexible on rates. Definitely try to negotiate (and remember that most wedding DJ prices have a specific price range), but do remember that DJs work hard for their money. If your DJ is good (and has been distinguished from the many other professional DJs available), then don’t ask them to do your wedding for a price that is unreasonable.

One of the most important premarital counseling tools often used in relationship counseling is this: looking at a detailed, extensive list of questions about the other person (and your relationship) and having each person answer the same questions about each other separately. Afterwards, compare the results. Often, the answers are indicative of whether the couple is grounded in reality. For example, some worksheets will list different qualities and ask each person to rate themselves and their future spouse (on a scale of 1 to 5) on how much he/she displays that characteristic. Sometimes, couples will have completely different answers about each other. This often brings up some important points of discussion, serving as a basis for identifying expectations.

What is your fiancé’s attitude on finance and saving? Finance is cited as the number one reason for divorce. This is partly because when things get difficult financially, other problems simultaneously begin to surface—problems that were easier to deal with before the financial stress. It is important to know your future spouse’s attitude towards saving and spending, as well as financial priorities. One person may think it important to save for kids’ private education, while the other may feel it is essential to travel.

Is your fiancé open to marriage counseling? Many couples are open to the idea of premarital counseling tools before the wedding, but many are not open to it after they get married.

The truth is that bridal photography is pricey, and an excellent wedding photographer is probably going to be one of the most expensive of all of your vendors. Here are some tips on getting your money’s worth when looking at wedding photography packages:

1. Make sure that you have a detailed conversation as to the type of photographs you want. Upon seeing their photos, brides (or parents, depending on who’s paying) often complain that “there were no photos of each table of guests at the reception,” or “there was no photograph of the flower arrangement by the fireplace,” or “there was not a family photo with grandmother included.”
2. You need to be very specific with your photographer as to what types of photos you want. Do you want the camera to be focused on the bride and groom? Are family pictures the most important? Do you want the photographer to focus on small details, capturing everything from the coffee bar to each centerpiece? Sure, there are some wedding photos that are standard, but in order to get the style you want, you need to be specific. Also, will your photographer have an assistant (or two)?
3. Remember that wedding photography prices will vary depending on whether your photographer has to travel. It is usually cheaper to go with a local photographer, but if there is someone you have your heart set on, be prepared that he/she will probably factor in travel costs to the bridal photography rate.

When using wedding planning websites, it is important to consider exactly what type of wedding you are having (large or small, formal or informal, religious or non-religious), as well as what your budget is. There is a plethora of information out there on “planning my wedding,” but much of it may not apply to you unless you specify your searches. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your online research:

1. Treat the web as you would a wedding exhibition, with each vendor having a booth (or website), and you are visiting each one to take notes and glean inspiration. Perhaps you see a floral arrangement that is too expensive, but you may be able to recreate the same look for a more reasonable price. What do you like about the arrangement? Is it the colors? The texture? The vase that it is displayed in? The height?
2. Research traditions (religious or otherwise) and wedding etiquette. If you are not sure when to send out your save the date cards, who gives a toast at the rehearsal dinner; or you want to know ways to incorporate Buddhist customs into your ceremony, this is a great way of using wedding planning sites.
3. Get tips on “DIY” invitations, centerpieces, and decoration. Many wedding planning websites give thorough steps on how to Do-It-Yourself, yielding fantastic results.